Conversations: “Putin’s State Of Mind” and other stories – 2:34 PM 12/3/2025

2:34 PM 12/3/2025

#Conversations
Based on the text provided, here is a summary of Steve Rosenberg’s analysis regarding the recent diplomatic talks in Moscow.
Key Takeaways
1. Diplomatic Deadlock
Despite a five-hour meeting in Moscow between Vladimir Putin and US representatives (Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner), no peace deal is imminent.1 Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that “no compromise version has yet been found.”

2. Putin’s Uncompromising Stance
Putin appears convinced that Russia holds the initiative on the battlefield and that he is winning the war.2 Consequently, he feels no pressure to sign a deal or stop operations now.
The “Runaway Car” Analogy: The author compares Putin to a vehicle with “no brakes, no steering wheel and no reverse gear,” intent on convincing the West that nothing can force him to change direction.
Rhetoric: Putin continues to use harsh rhetoric, labeling the Ukrainian leadership a “thieving junta” and blaming Europe for sabotaging peace efforts.3

3. The Economic Reality Check
While Putin projects military confidence, the article notes that Russia’s economy is facing growing strain.4
Financial Pressure: Oil and gas revenues are falling, and the budget deficit is growing.5
Internal Admissions: Even Putin has admitted to “imbalances” in the economy, noting that production output in several sectors has decreased rather than increased.

Conclusion
The central tension identified in the analysis is between Putin’s political and military confidence (the belief that he is unstoppable) and the economic reality (the need for fuel and funding). The “big unknown” remains whether mounting economic pressures will eventually force the Kremlin to alter its calculations on the battlefield.

Would you like me to research the current status of the specific economic sectors mentioned, such as Russian oil and gas revenues?
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What latest Ukraine talks reveal about Putin’s state of mind

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• Russia-Ukraine War: Tensions remain high as Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly sees “no point in making any serious compromises”. European leaders have accused Putin of faking interest in peace talks after meeting with US envoys.
• Middle East: A far-right coalition is boycotting a Knesset vote on Trump’s Gaza plan. There are reports of an Israeli drone killing two children gathering firewood in the West Bank.
• Malaysia Airlines Flight 370: A deep-sea search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 is scheduled to resume on December 30. 

• Vaccine Recommendations Under Review: A CDC advisory panel is scheduled to discuss and vote on the hepatitis B birth dose recommendation, a move some doctors warn could revive a deadly threat. 

• NBA Trades: Chris Paul’s second stint with the Los Angeles Clippers ended abruptly overnight.
• NFL Injury: New York Jets player Kris Boyd is in critical condition after being shot. 

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